Cellular food
Foods made from lab grown cells promise to be far less environmentally damaging. And meat is not the only produce that scientists are striving to manufacture this way. Anthony King reports
US drug approvals
Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, US regulators approved 50 new drugs in 2021, slightly down on its record in 2020 and up on the average approval rate (43) over the past decade. These include the first approved Alzheimer’s drug in nearly two decades; it’s also the first US FDA-approved therapy to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease.
Pollinators and pollution
Common air pollutants may be reducing the pollinating abilities of insects, according to a new study. It suggests that the pollutants change the scents of flowers, making it harder for insects to find pollen and nectar.
Magnetic cancer therapy
Researchers have used MRI-guided ferromagnetic particles to precisely target tumours in mice. Once at the tumour site, the particles were heated to destroy the cancer cells – causing limited damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The team at University College London (UCL), UK, say the therapy could one day provide a safer and more effective treatment for glioblastoma – a type of brain cancer – along with other hard-to-treat cancers.
Gene editing changes
The UK government has given a spur to plant breeders by announcing plans for new legislation to cut unnecessary red tape around gene editing (GE). The simplified rules will mean that scientists across the UK will find it easier to undertake plant-based R&D using genetic editing technologies.
Applied chemistry
Applied Chemistry Highlights for C&I Issue 2 2022 written by Nigel P Freestone, University of Northampton, UK
Circle of life
Nature has long inspired a range of technologies, like the shape of bullet trains and LED pixels, based on a kingfisher’s beak and the patterning on a butterfly wing, respectively. Now, however, biomimicry is being taken to new heights as natural degradation processes are being supercharged to tackle modern day waste.
Biomedical
Biomedical highlights from C&I Issue 2 2022 written by Kevin Burgess | Texas A&M University, US
Advanced materials
Advanced materials highlight from C&I Issue 2 2022 written by Arno Kraft, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
Managing fluid projects
Damien Moran, Bürkert’s Field Segment Manager for the hygienic and pharmaceutical sector, discusses the benefits of the combined project management approach.